When a vacation calls for sweet simplicity, travelers don’t have to look any further than the up and coming city of Missoula, Montana. This mountain valley, riverside city is full of classic historical remnants and an air of progressive commerce. Missoula is part college town and a seemingly mini-metropolis. Missoula is best explored with the old cliché in mind to “do what the locals do.”

Missoula International Airport (MSO) is the main artery for air travel into Missoula. Click here (https://www.whatscheaper.com/flight.php) to search deals on airfare on Whatscheaper.com. Missoula is a hotspot for convention-goers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whatever it is that brings visitors to the “Garden City” and surrounding area, lodging is in full supply. WhatsCheaper.com can also assist with booking your hotel experience. Just click here for great deals on hotels in Missoula (https://www.whatscheaper.com/hotel.php).

Some of Missoula’s charm is found right in the landscape. The city sprouted amid a time of railroad expansion, evident by the still-standing and historically registered Milwaukee Depot. Missoula’s mountainous backdrop provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, tubing and camping. Skiing is another amenity. The Montana Snowbowl is a short 20 minute drive north of Missoula, offering ski instruction and a beautiful place to whiz through an alpine paradise. Missoula is a perfect place to become one with nature. Or, if you’re merely interested in the history of our nation’s love affair with timber, visit the National Museum of Forest Service History. Also not to be missed, Whatscheaper.com recommends a trip to Glacier National Park located just a few hours north of Missoula. Missoula is rich with opportunities to explore rugged terrain and have an encounter with the wildlife. Forget the same old zoo scene. The National Bison Range offers a chance to observe birds, bison, elk, black bears and other large mammals in their natural habitat on foot or from the safety of your vehicle on specially marked driving trails. The Lolo Hot Springs is also an unusual and natural setting to take a dip in the great outdoors.

City folks delight in what is offered by Downtown Missoula. Caras Park is the site of local festivals and other large scale events. The park is surrounded by numerous food genres, markets, breweries, coffee shops and nightlife spots. The downtown shopping scene covers a wide range of clothing, art, home decor, gifts, outdoor gear and other specialties. If seeing the city afoot is on the list, check out one of the guided walking tours or plan an afternoon at one of the many museums. Keep the kids pleased with a trip to one of the ice cream shops, the year-round indoor Splash Montana Waterpark, the Missoula Children’s Theatre or the coveted local Carousel for Missoula.

Missoula has undoubtedly changed since the first explorations of Lewis and Clark. Visitors can trace their steps through the region along the Lewis and Clark Trail. Whatscheaper.com recommends having a picnic along the trail by day, then retreating to Missoula’s more modern attractions by night. Like wine, Missoula has only gotten finer with age. It is truly a city with something for everyone.

MUST SEE IN Missoula, MT LIST:

1. Historical Museum at Fort Missoula

2. Milwaukee Depot

3. National Museum of Forest Services

4. Missoula Art Museum

5. Montana Natural History Center

6. Pangaea River

7. Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History

8. Ten Spoon Vineyard & Winery

9. Museum of Mountain Flying

10. Missoula Children's Museum

Missoula, MT EVENT CALENDAR:

1. International Wildlife Festival - May

2. Garden City Brewfest - May

3. Big Sky Documentary Film Festival - June

4. International Choral Festival - July

5. Celtic Festival - July

6. Missoula County Fair - August

7. River City Roots Festival - Late August

8. Maverick Brewfest - September

9. Germanfest -September

10. First Night Missoula - December

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Hilton Garden Inn Missoula3720 North Reserve Street, Missoula, MT

By Melanie Wilcox

Offering the convenience of being near to both the airport and downtown, the Hilton Garden Inn of Missoula, Montana is a comfortable hotel that features a number of amenities to make their guests' stay an enjoyable one. Visitors arriving at the Missoula International Airport will find that this hotel is less than a ten minute drive; those arriving by automobile are welcome to use the complimentary self-park lot. This Hilton brand hotel also offers complimentary luggage storage for guests arriving earlier than the 3pm check-in time.

Whether in town for business or leisure, guests of this hotel will find plenty of amenities in their rooms to make their stay more comfortable. Complimentary local newspapers and flat screen televisions will help guests relax before getting a restful night's sleep in the luxurious Garden Sleep System adjustable beds. Ergonomically-designed Herman Miller Mirra chairs add extra comfort to the work space, and high-speed WiFi is complimentary in all rooms. The suites at the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula feature separate bedrooms and parlors in addition to jetted bathtubs and larger desks in oversized work areas. Microwaves and refrigerators are in all suites as well as many standard guest rooms.

Guests of the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula will wake each morning to find a full buffet of breakfast options at the Garden Grille and Bar; in the evening, the Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern serves up inspired American cuisine and cocktails. After a night at this hotel's on-site Silver Creek Casino, visitors will find that the Pavilion Pantry offers a variety of snacks and drinks available 24 hours a day. This hotel is also within driving distance of Missoula's many attractions including the National Bison Range and Missoula Art Museum. After a day of sightseeing, guests can wind down in the on-site indoor pool and whirlpool.

The Hilton Garden Inn Missoula is ideal for visitors who want the convenience of a central location and the comforts of home. Noon check-out and luggage storage make it easy for visitors with a late flight to get the most out of their trip. Whether you're on business or an outdoor adventure, WhatsCheaper.com can help you book the perfect hotel room at the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula (https://www.whatscheaper.com/hotel.php).

PHOTO GALLERY

On your next trip to Montana, book a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Missoula-Edgewater hotel. If you’re flying into the area via the Missoula International Airport, take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service. When you arrive in Western Montana, take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the Clark Fork River and the splendor of the Northern Rockies. Additionally, if you’re interested in outdoor pursuits, downtown Missoula offers all you could possibly want--and it’s only a short walk away from the hotel. Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. and when you arrive, the friendly staff with greet you with DoubleTree’s signature chocolate chip cookie.

WhatsCheaper.com knows that when you stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Missoula-Edgewater, you’ll consider it your home away from home. If you’re looking for a standard guest room, options include: 1 king bed and 1, 2, or 3 queen-size beds; smoking or non-smoking; balcony or a balcony with a river view. Looking to upgrade? Select a non-smoking, king junior bed suite with either a balcony with or without the river view. All rooms come equipped with the luxurious Sweet Dreams Bedding Package by Doubletree for a perfect night’s rest as well as wireless Internet access and remote printing. A large desk, 37-inch flat screen HDTV, and double vanities also come standard. Accessible rooms are also available and pets are welcome with a small fee.

When you’re not in your stylish guest room, use some of the hotel’s many amenities, especially the fitness center, outdoor pool, and hot tub. For outdoor enthusiasts, world-class fly fishing is located right outside the hotel, as is a jogging trail next to the river. After a day in Montana, come back to the hotel and experience authentic Northwestern food and wine at the Finn and Porter, or order in-room service a relaxing evening.

WhatsCheaper.com knows that when you book a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Missoula-Edgewater hotel, you’ll experience the Northern Rockies as they were meant to be enjoyed. Just click the link and let us help you plan your trip today (https://www.whatscheaper.com/hotel.php).